Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Realtors Help Buyers Attain Short Sales Success

San Diego, CA - November 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Not all buyers are suited for a short sale. This was one of the messages delivered at “Short Sales from the Buyer’s Perspective” during the 2009 REALTORS® Conference & Expo today.

According to the latest Realtors® Confidence Index, one out of 10 recent buyers purchased a home through a short sale. The survey also showed that Realtors® are concerned about the hurdles buyers face in short sales.

Primary reasons that short sales fail, include an incomplete short sale package, an offer that is too low, and inaccurate appraisals. Buyers who are good candidates for short sales are very patient – it can take some lenders four months or longer to approve a short sale – have their financing in order, and don’t have any contingencies in their purchase offer.

“Short sale buyers need to have the time to be able to wait for the lender’s approval; some lenders get several hundred contacts every day. Buyers must also be willing to make an offer that has a reasonable chance of closing and take guidance from their agent. If the offered price is too low, there is a good chance the lender won’t respond or approve the contract.”

“As short sales become more commonplace, both buyers and sellers need the help of seasoned, experienced professionals to help them navigate the complexities of a short sale transaction,” said National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan. “As the first, best source for real estate information, Realtors® provide valuable insights and experience that can help buyers realize their homeownership goals, whether through a short sale or other means.”

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.